Ceramic figure "Siamese Cat"

Folk art and elaborate handicrafts from Uruguay. The items are fired several times, decorated with materials such as enamel glaze, gold and platinum in elaborate handwork rich in colour.

The effort that goes into these colourful ceramics is enormous. In a first step, the still soft cast base form is decorated with fine ornamental details. The first firing hardens it, then it is painted - again by hand - and decorative enamel glazes are applied. After further kiln cycles, gilding and platinum elements are finally applied - creating individual testimonies of the close connection between Latin American folk art and handicraft at the highest level.

The special fur patterns of the Siamese cats are caused by the so-called Siamese gene, which forms darker colour strokes on the extremities. Together with the typical deep blue eyes, they create a harmonious colour combination. Ceramic figure with an enamel glaze and 18-carat gilding accents. Size 18 x 9 x 10 cm (h/w/d).

Producer: ars mundi Edition Max Büchner GmbH, Bödekerstraße 13, 30161 Hanover, Germany Email: info@arsmundi.de

Ceramic product made of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar.

Porcelain is formed by turning or pressing, and figurative objects are cast. Complex objects have to be cast in separated steps and sections, and then "assembled". After the moulding, the pieces are dried and undergo an initial firing at about 900°C. Next, the glaze will be applied and fired at temperatures between 1,240 °C and 1,445 °C. In renowned manufactories, the porcelain is painted by hand, with each colour being fired individually under strict temperature tolerances.

Porcelain was invented in China and became widespread in Europe from the 16th century onwards. The first European porcelain factory was founded in Meissen, Germany in 1710.

Other famous European porcelain factories include Fürstenberg, Höchst, Schwarzburger Werkstätten, Lladró, Nymphenburg, KPM, Augarten, Sèvres, Limoges, Royal Copenhagen, Worcester. Each factories label their products with their personal porcelain stamps to indicate their origin.